INTERVIEW
Madelon Meijer
At any time of the day, you can visit her Instagram page (@madelonmeijer) for interior inspiration: from special and unique items to lovely little corners. Recently, she moved to a wonderful apartment in Hoorn (The Netherlands) with her partner Jaimy and daughter Fayen. And in the midst of a pandemic, one of her dreams came true: she started her own webshop – Behind the Door, with different kinds of interior items.
We spoke to Madelon about her family, about meaningful moments in her life and about her dreams for the future.
What is something that we can wake you up for?
For a weekend getaway! And with regards to food: Pom [a typical Surinamese casserole], made by my mother-in-law!
What characterizes your interior and sense of design?
Simplicity, serenity and warmth. I really love soft colors, both straight lines and round shapes in our furniture and simple but unique accessories.
Which items in your interior are truly timeless or are you too attached to ever get rid of?
The lamps! In our previous house, we didn’t even have lamps in certain spaces. In this house, we immediately made sure we had beautiful, timeless lamps everywhere.
What is quality to you? How important is quality and how is that visible in the interior design of your home?
I think quality is about the story behind a product, for example about who made the item and why the design is made like this.
What are some of your favorite family time activities?
Going to a hotel together, grabbing a bite, discovering the neighborhood. We always go to a hotel with a bathtub, since we don’t have one at home. And Fayen loves it! We made it a ritual to always buy bath bombs at Lush before we leave for the night.
Which kids’ room brands are at the top of your favorites list?
That would definitely be Ferm Living. Followed randomly by Oyoy, Play at Slaep, Konges Slôjd.
We spotted our MrStarsky x TERRA design in the kids’ room! Why did you choose this MrStarsky design?
I picked the TERRA design, first of all, because it just looks wonderfully. I really love how the colors change depending on the time of day. And of course, the gold foil makes it a very special item to look at. Fayen really loves the ‘glitters’ en won’t stop looking at it. It’s been a great choice!
What do the stars mean to you?
Recently, I’ve started to explore more and more about the stars. I think it’s very special to see how personality traits all can be traced back to the stars. I would love to learn more about it!
What is a moment you’ll never forget?
That’s not just one moment, but multiple moments. I used to work at Schiphol and my father-in-law used to bring me to the train station three times a week at 4.30 in the morning. For four years! He didn’t like the idea of me being out on my own so early. I could tell him whatever, but every single time he showed up in my living room at 4.30. We used to drink coffee together and had the loveliest conversations. He recently passed away… and these moments are so precious, even more now.
How do you remember a special moment? Is it the scent, a song, a visual association?
Actually, all three, but if I have to choose just one, then it’d be scent. Perfume can remind me of someone. Or the shower gel I used in the hospital after I gave birth to Fayen, or the perfume I used in high school. Whenever I smell those scents, I go back to that very moment.
How did your new concept Behind the Door come to life?
I’ve been dreaming about my own webshop for a very long time. I really love exploring wonderful brands and bringing them together. It has been a voyage of discovery. 8 years ago, I had a small shop where I sold body mist and nail polish. This didn’t turn out to be my direction.
Now, I can really say that I’ve found my passion! Interior design for both adults and children.
What can we expect from Behind the Door?
I want to create a space with products that I truly believe in. A space with items that’ll make your house a home. With known and (yet) unknown brands!
What are your dreams for the future?
My biggest dream would be to have another baby. And work-related: design and create my own products.
Every month, we interview someone we met online or offline,
someone who inspires us with regards to interior design, entrepreneurship and way of life.
Thank you so much, Madelon!
More about Madelon: @madelonmeijer on Instagram or www.behindthedoor.nl.
